This is a deeply moving and haunting novel about love, loss, morality, and the consequences of the choices we make. I finished it just hours ago, and I’m still tearful—Stedman’s story really makes you reflect on what is truly “right” or “wrong.”
The story follows Tom Sherbourne, a WWI veteran who becomes the lighthouse keeper on remote Janus Rock, and his wife Isabel. After suffering multiple miscarriages, Isabel persuades Tom to raise a baby they find washed ashore as their own, believing it a gift from God. The happiness the child brings is soon shadowed by unforeseen consequences.
What makes this book remarkable is the fully realized characters. Tom is quietly heroic yet humanly flawed, Isabel is intense and desperate in her longing for a child, and Hannah, the other woman affected by their decision, evokes deep sympathy. Each choice is made out of love, yet every path causes pain—blurring the line between right and wrong in a way that left me emotionally torn.
Stedman also beautifully captures the stark, isolated beauty of South-Western Australia, making the landscape itself feel alive. Her portrayal of lighthouse life—its solitude, hardships, and quiet routines—felt authentic and vivid, especially for those familiar with the region.
My only small quibble is that Isabel could have been developed a bit more; understanding her inner motivations and reactions would have made the novel perfect. Even so, this debut is gripping, heart-wrenching, and utterly unforgettable. A thoroughly rewarding read.
From my archives: 5/11/18
★★★★☆
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